Government of COUNTRY
National Statistical Office
STRATEGY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
2008 SYSTEM OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND
SUPPORTING ECONOMIC STATISTICS, 2013-< year>
First Draft
<month,year>
National Statistical Office in collaboration with <other national agencies>
COUNTRY
i|Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF ANNEXES .................................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...................................................................................................... v
FOREWORD................................................................................................................................ vi
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 1
1.0
Mandate ............................................................................................................................. 2
2.0
3.0
4.0
1.1
[NAME OF LAW] ............................................................................................................................2
1.2
International Standards .....................................................................................................................2
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................. 2
Values ................................................................................................................................. 3
3.1
Statistical professionalism .................................................................................................................3
3.2
Independence and integrity ...............................................................................................................3
3.3
Excellent service to our customers ....................................................................................................3
3.4
Respect and understanding of our data suppliers ..............................................................................3
3.5
Value for money ...............................................................................................................................3
High-Level Goals ............................................................................................................... 3
4.1
Improving scope, quality and timeliness of National Accounts statistics in accordance with 2008
SNA. .................................................................................................................................................4
5.0
4.2
Minimizing response burden to data suppliers. .................................................................................4
4.3
Increasing use of administrative data for statistical purposes. ..........................................................4
4.4
Achieving cost effectiveness using best practices. ............................................................................4
4.5
Raising public awareness and use of National Accounts and economic statistics. ...........................4
Specific Goals .................................................................................................................... 4
5.1
Improving scope, quality and timeliness of National Accounts and supporting economic statistics
in accordance with 2008 SNA......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2
Minimizing response burden to data suppliers ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.3
Increasing use of administrative data for statistical purposes ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.4
Achieving cost effectiveness using best practices ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.5
Raising public awareness and use of National Accounts and economic statisticsError! Bookmark
not defined.
6.0
Required Actions ............................................................................................................... 4
6.1
Improving scope, quality and timeliness of National Accounts and supporting economic statistics
in accordance with 2008 SNA......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.2
Minimizing response burden to data suppliers ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3
Increasing use of administrative data for statistical purposes ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4
Achieving cost effectiveness using best practices ........................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
ii | P a g e
6.5
Raising public awareness and use of National Accounts and economic statisticsError! Bookmark
not defined.
iii | P a g e
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Costed Activity Implementation Plan, 2013 – 2017 .................................................. 10
Table 2: Activity Implementation Plan by Source of Funding, 2013 – 2017 ......................... 12
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LIST OF ANNEXES
Annex 1: [NAME OF LAW]. ..................................................................................................... 13
Annex 2: United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics ................................ 14
v|Page
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
2008 SNA
BOP
EC
ECE
ESCSC
GCF
GDDS
GDP
GFS
GNDI
GNI
GNS
IIP
IMF
I-O
IOT
ISA
IT
MFS
MRDS
NA
NSO
OECD
QNA
ROW
SDS
SLAs
SUT
UN
UNFPOS
WB
System of National Accounts, 2008
Balance of Payments
European Commission
Economic Commission for Europe
Economic Social Council for Statistical Commission
Gross Capital Formation
General Data Dissemination System
Gross Domestic Product
Government Finance Statistics
Gross National Disposable Income
Gross National Income
Gross National Savings
International Investment Position
International Monetary Fund
Input-Output
Input and Output Tables
Institutional Sector Accounts
Information Technology
Monetary and Financial Statistics
Minimum Required Data Set
National Accounts
National Statistical Office
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Quarterly National Accounts
Rest of the World
Statistical Dissemination Strategy
Service Level Agreements
Supply and Use Tables
United Nations
United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
World Bank
vi | P a g e
FOREWORD
National Accounts are the key indicators for describing the national economy and its interactions
with the international economy. They are used a great deal by national, regional and international
agencies, among other reasons, for designing and assessing policies and for making comparisons
of growth and development at an international level. Consequently, there have been recent
recommendations calling for international standards in economic statistics, one of these being the
adoption of the new version of National Accounts, the System of National Accounts 2008 (2008
SNA) that was adopted at the 40th Session of the United Nations Statistics Commission in 2009.
The drafting of the Statement of Strategy for the Implementation of the 2008 SNA and
Supporting Economic Statistics, its outline and the timeline for drafting are the recommendations
that were made at a Sub-Regional Seminar for selected countries on Developing a Program for
the Implementation of the 2008 SNA and Supporting Economic Statistics that was held in <city,
country> in date.
As part of the scaling up of the development process of the Implementation Program for the 2008
SNA and Supporting Economic Statistics at the country level, participants committed to
developing and submitting the first draft of the Statement of Strategy by <month, 2013/14>.
This commitment was made in recognition of the fact that the Statement of Strategy is a
necessary step in formulating a multi-year statistical programs for economic statistics aimed at
moving over to the 2008 SNA.
This Statement of Strategy is intended to be a useful tool for the the various department of the
[COUNTRY] National Statistical Office in their analysis of needs and their formulation of
actions and outputs in adapting and improving the institutional arrangements and statistical
infrastructure and operations to change over to the 2008 SNA and improve the existing situation.
The [COUNTRY] National Statistical Office has undertaken the drafting of this report in
consultation with <national agencies> and would like to express their sincere appreciation for
their contributions. While this report draws on this collective institutional strength and
knowledge of the national statistical system, the National Statistical Office assumes ownership of
what is contained in the Strategy for the Implementation of the 2008 System of National
Accounts (2008 SNA) and Supporting Economic Statistics.
The drafting team consisting of <names> worked extremely hard to meet the timelines agreed at
the seminar, but now seeks further comments and suggestions to further improve the statement of
strategy as a basis or the formulation of a more detailed programme of work.
[HEAD OF NSO]
[TITLE]
National Statistical Office
vii | P a g e
INTRODUCTION
The United Nations Statistical Commission has identified two main challenges that developing
countries have to face in the implementation of the 2008 SNA. The first refers to the political
motivation to mobilize financial and human resources for the implementation of the 2008 SNA
and supporting statistics. The second is to undertake a strategic assessment to adapt the
institutional arrangements and statistical infrastructure and operations for the change over to the
2008 SNA to the country’s specific situation and determine the allocation of resources (data
sources, human resources and financial support).
This Statement of Strategy is prepared to seek the political motivation and undertake the strategic
assessment through a broad consultation process.
The Statement of Strategy contains the following elements:
Mandate: determined by policy objectives and underpinned by the regulatory and
institutional framework in [COUNTRY],

Mission statement: describing the purpose, users, outputs and philosophy,

Values: reflecting the values and principles portrayed by the UN Fundamental Principles
of Official Statistics to produce useful high-quality data,

High-level goals: representing the overall accomplishments to be achieved,

Specific goals: describing the ultimate results that need to be accomplished and

Required actions: describing the actions for the improvement of the institutional
arrangements and statistical infrastructure and operations to be carried out to ultimately
implement the 2008 SNA and supporting statistics.
On an operational level, the National Accounts Section has developed a five-year plan of action
(2013-2017), which will comprise activities to be undertaken. This Statement of Strategy
provides for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of the activities, according to the adopted
timelines, to ensure successful implementation. Hence, the total cost for the Strategy for the fiveyear period is estimated at Millions of [CURRENCY]] (Table 1).
The part on the funding plan and sources of funding for the period 2013-20.. is indicated for
every activity in the Strategy. This is a co-funding arrangement between [COUNTRY]
Government and the Development Partners (Table 2).
1|Page
1.0
Mandate
1.1
1.2
Policy needs
1.1.1
National policy needs
1.1.2
Regional policy needs
Legal Mandate
[NAME OF LAW]
1.3
International Standards
1.3.1
United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
In the process of implementing the 2008 SNA Strategy, NSO shall ensure
adherence to the ten United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
(UNFPOS) as published by the Economic and Social Council for Statistical
Commission (ESCSC) (Annex 2). The following are the principles:Principle 1: Relevance, Impartiality and Equal Access.
Principle 2: Professional Standards and Ethics.
Principle 3: Accountability and Transparency.
Principle 4: Prevention of Misuse.
Principle 5: Cost-Effectiveness.
Principle 6: Confidentiality.
Principle 7: Legislation.
Principle 8: National Coordination.
Principle 9: International Standards.
Principle 10: International Cooperation.
1.2.2 International Guidelines and Classifications
In the process of implementing the 2008 SNA Strategy, NSO shall ensure
adherence to International Guidelines and Classifications as recommended by the
United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB),
European Commission (EC), and Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) as stipulated in the 2008 SNA Handbook. The 2008 SNA
provides an overarching framework for standards in other domains of economic
statistics, facilitating the integration of these statistical systems to achieve
consistency with National Accounts.
2.0
Mission Statement
2|Page
To provide high quality and timely National Accounts and supporting economic statistics in
response to policy needs; conforming to international standards; and promoting its dissemination
and use.
3.0
Values
The <Agency> shall observe the following values portrayed by the United Nations Fundamental
Principles of Official Statistics in the implementation of the 2008 SNA Strategy to produce
relevant high-quality data:3.1
Statistical professionalism
The <Agency> shall endeavour to improve capacity needs to ensure professionalism in
the compilation of National Accounts and supporting economic statistics.
3.2
Independence and integrity
The <Agency> shall endeavour to produce National Accounts and supporting economic
statistics in an objective, professional and transparent manner.
3.3
Excellent service to our customers
The <Agency> shall endeavour to engage stakeholders in identifying their statistical
needs and ensure that they are timely met.
3.4
Respect and understanding of our data suppliers
The <Agency> shall endeavour to reduce data suppliers’ response burden through
sensitising them on the importance of the data they provide, its timeliness and frequency
and consequently providing them with appropriate feedback.
3.5
Value for money
The <Agency> shall ensure that National Accounts and supporting economic statistics
are demand-driven and are produced in a timely, effective and efficient manner.
4.0
High-Level Goals
The <Agency> identified five high-level goals representing overall accomplishments to be
achieved by [YEAR] as follows:-
3|Page
4.1
Improving scope, quality and timeliness of National Accounts statistics in
accordance with the SNA.
4.2
Minimizing response burden to data suppliers.
4.3
Increasing use of administrative data for statistical purposes.
4.4
Achieving cost effectiveness using best practices.
4.5
Raising public awareness and use of National Accounts and economic
statistics.
5.0
6.0
Specific Goals
5.1
To compile national accounts according to milestone two of the SNA
implementation, comprising the minimum required data set.
5.2
To develop a national central data hub for short term economic statistics to
facilitate the early detection of changes in economic activity as reflected by
the national accounts.
Required Actions
The required actions to be carried out are determined by mapping the results from an assessment
of the national statistical system to determine the adequacy of the national statistical production
process to support implementation of the SNA and the source data needed to compile the
national accounts statistics which fully meets the needs to inform policy makers as well as
complies with the international standards. These activities can be grouped in three categories:
6.1
Regulatory and institutional framework
6.1.1
Modernise and strengthen the national regulatory and institutional
framework for national accounts and support statistics.
6.1.2
Formulate a statement of strategy by [DATE] with deliverables by
[YEARS].
The first draft of the statement of strategy to be prepared by [DATE] and
the final draft by [DATE]. Formulate the implementation programme
based on the statement of strategy for the change over to the 2008 SNA by
[DATE].
4|Page
6.1.3
Reflect the implementation programme in the annual and medium-term
work programme of the NSO.
Include the programme for the change over to the 2008 SNA in the annual
and medium-term work programme of the NSO.
6.1.4
Establish a national technical coordination board/working group for
statistical standards that include data producers, data providers, policy
users and academia to:
Guide the process of change over to the 2008 SNA in a transparent
manner. Deal with the treatment of specific technical issues.
6.1.5
Update existing and establish new Memorandum of Understandings
(MOUs) with data providers. The MOU should include each party’s
requirements and responsibilities to make cooperation with supplier
organisations more predictable and consolidating all information about
all decisions and processes. The MOU can deal with the following
issues:
- Conditions for the supply of administrative data;
- Timetable for the supply of data;
- Confidentiality, integrity, and security of data;
- Consultation about new uses of administrative data;
- Resolution of disputes;
- Consultation before making changes that will affect the variables
supplied;
- Understanding statistical needs before making changes; and
- Consultation before changing administrative forms.
6.1.6
Commitment by senior management and statistical training – human
development.
Senior managers to mobilize agency-wide support for the new and highpriority tasks of integration and ensuring contributions of the stakeholders.
As part of building a strong system of management culture of values,
norms and shared beliefs, senior management should manage labour
relations, human resources, issues of recruitment of professionals,
provision of training to all classes of staff, development of training
material and related issues.
Develop an understanding of the importance of statistical integration in all
relevant training activities. Staff responsible for compiling national
accounts need to develop a sound understanding of issues regarding
classifications, population coverage, and business registers that affect their
ability to integrate statistics from different sources. Staff responsible for
the operation of statistical surveys need to understand how their data are
used in the compilation of national accounts. Training courses should
provide an understanding of how data issues affect the use of statistical
outputs in the SNA.
5|Page
6.1.7
Establish a common vision with National Central Bank.
Establish a common vision with the national central bank on the respective
roles of the NSO and central bank in the production of economic statistics
to address the financial resource issues for the implementation of the
national accounts and supporting statistics.
National Statistical Office and the central bank to collectively make the
case to Ministry of Finance/Treasury based on a common strategic
approach.
6.1.8
6.2
Other actions as relevant.
Statistical infrastructure
6.2.1
Upgrade the infrastructure
Collect the required basic data, including the requisite quantity and price
statistics for valuation and recording of transactions for an exhaustive
coverage of the contribution of all economic activities to the economy.
Compile the national accounts in accordance with the minimum required
data sets as endorsed by the United Nations Statistical Commission (see
Table 2 of the ISWGNA report to the 42nd session of the of the United
Nations
Statistical
Commission,
available
at
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/statcom/doc11/2011-6-NationalAccounts-E.pdf.
Compile the balance of payment statistics in accordance with the 6th
edition of the balance of payments manual (BPM6) of the IMF.
Develop national classifications of economics activities and products to
accommodate national requirements in accordance with ISIC Rev. 4 and
CPC 2 to ensure the collection, compilation and dissemination of
economic statistics on an internationally comparable basis.
Establish a comprehensive and up-to-date business register to facilitate the
full co-ordination of source data that use the same basic information about
business units.
Use modern information and communication technology (ICT) to facilitate
the efficient functioning of the statistical production process. Obtain longterm management support and commitment for the development of
information technology resources, including an ICT infrastructure and ICT
strategies for the statistical system as part of the integrated statistical
production process.
Other actions as relevant
6|Page
6.2.2
Statistical compilation issues
Quarterly GDP by production and expenditure approaches should be
compiled both at current and constant prices with a time lag of one
quarter.
Compile the sequence of accounts until net lending/borrowing for all
institutional sectors on an annual basis.
Establish national central data hubs with a single access point in the
national statistical system to enhance the accessibility of the nationally
available short-term statistics and indicators based on a system-wide needs
assessment.
Compile annual supply and use tables.
Compile chain volume measures.
Establish an agreed set of minimum short-term statistics and align the
selection of the indicators and its scope and coverage to the internationally
agreed data template of short-term indicators available at
http://unstats.un.org/unsd/nationalaccount/workshops/2010/moscow/AC22
3-S51Bk1.PDF.
6.3
Statistical operations
6.3.1
Upgrade the statistical operations
Review the design and the content of the survey questionnaires of business
and household surveys with a view to collect data in compliance with the
concepts and definitions of new macro economic accounting standards and
classifications
Compile supply and use tables to validate the source data in a consistent
manner. Benchmark of the national accounts statistics using supply and
use framework and harmonise benchmarking with neighboring countries.
Compile a detailed set of sources and methods that describe processes that
collect, process and produce statistical data and indicate the data sources
and tools that are instrumental in statistical production like statistical
standards and classifications, business registers and frames, statistical
methods, procedures and software.
Due to the range of internal and external users, the metadata will include
elements of management of quality related to the institutional
environment, system, statistical production process and statistical outputs.
7|Page
Compile the estimates of the expenditure components of the GDP
independently using survey and/or administrative data sources rather than
deriving them residually.
Estimate the production of housing services for own final consumption by
owner occupiers, valued at the estimated rental that a tenant would pay for
the same accommodation, taking into account factors such as location,
neighbourhood amenities, etc. as well as the size and quality of the
dwelling itself.
Calculate estimates of capital stock and consumption of fixed capital by
type of asset, economic activity and institutional sector. For this purpose,
the basic data required are - the time series on capital formation, asset life
by type of assets and the depreciation patterns of the assets in the
economy.
Account for the contribution of all economic activities within the 2008
SNA production boundary to the GDP.
Collect monthly and quarterly production and turnover surveys for
compilation of short-term indicators of economic activity.
Integrate the BPM6 and 2008 SNA-related surveys for collecting the
requisite data for compiling the national accounts and the balance of
payments to achieve efficiency gains.
Backcasting data for several years to yield consistent time series when
data are revised as a result of, (a) revisions arising from “normal”
statistical procedures (for instance, availability of new information, change
in the methodology, change in data source, change of base year); and (b)
revisions in the form of the correction of errors that may occur in source
data or in processing.
Document details of revisions and make them available to users. The basic
documentation should include identification in the statistical publications
of data that are preliminary (or provisional) and revised data, identification
of the sources of the revisions, and explanations of breaks in series when
consistent series cannot be constructed.
Harmonise the prices methodology and surveys for the CPI, PPI Export
and Import Price Indices.
Harmonise household and enterprise surveys with a view to optimize
resources and to minimise the response burden by integrating these
surveys. For the integrated surveys the sample size should be sufficient
8|Page
enough to yield statistically efficient estimates of all characteristics under
study
Harmonise labour force surveys using household-based surveys that
include a labour force component, generically called labour force surveys
(LFS). The aim is to identify and measure the size and characteristics of
the labour force, particularly employment and unemployment.
Harmonise questionnaire design, including the content, validation
procedures of data collected and the software used for the compilation of
data with that of neighbouring countries.
Harmonise informal sector surveys by conducting a separate dedicated
survey on the topic using a module in the LFS taking into account
questionnaire design, including, content timing and placement of questions
that need to be considered to ensure proper measurement of the topic.
Establish service level agreements covering the conditions for exchange of
data between administrative units and the business statistics units or the
national accounts unit to ensure a smooth exchange of data.
Review each service level agreement periodically to ensure that quality
standards and timetables are appropriate. This shall include a formal
change management procedure to ensure that both parties agree with any
proposed changes before they are implemented. Special consideration
should be given to suppliers of administrative data, such as the tax
authorities. Where appropriate, more formal agreements, or enabling
legislation, may need to be established to formalise data delivery to the
statistical office.
Ensure to capture exhaustively all services within the production boundary
of the 2008 SNA including the international trade in services.
Compile the sequence of institutional sector accounts based on the
available information on a trial basis. This exercise would broadly be
helpful in two ways: (i) it will help to identify the additional data required
for the compilation on a more comprehensive basis, and (ii) it will help to
understand the possible treatment of the conceptual issues.
Disseminate advance release calendar, revision policy, communication
strategy to ensure the dissemination of statistics to all users at the same
time. The advance release calendar will be given sufficient publicity and
will also be posted on the national statistical office website in the
beginning of each year.
Other actions as relevant.
9|Page
Table 1: Costed Activity Implementation Plan, 2013 – 2017
COST (Millions of [CURRENCY])
ACTIVITY
OUTPUT
6.1.1 Compiling
NA and supporting
economic statistics
according to MRDS.
6.1.1.1 SUT updated.
6.1.1.2 BOP & IIP updated.
6.1.1.3 ISA compiled.
6.1.1.4 QNA compiled.
6.1.1.5 IOT analysis.
6.1.3 Building
institutional capacity.
6.1.3.1 Training Report.
6.1.3.2 Study Tour Report.
2013
6.1.3.3 Statistical
Infrastructure Reports.
6.1.3.4 IT Procurement
Report.
6.2.1 Minimizing
data suppliers’
response burden.
6.2.1.1 Sensitisation
Workshop Report.
6.2.1.2 Report uploaded on
NSO website.
6.2.1.3 Dissemination
Workshop Report.
6.2.1.4 Integrated
survey questionnaires.
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2014
2015
2016
2017
TOTAL
COST
(Millions of
[CURREN
CY])
COST (Millions of [CURRENCY])
ACTIVITY
OUTPUT
6.3.1 Improving
demand for
administrative data.
6.3.1.1 Administrative Data
Sources Inventory in place.
2013
6.3.1.2 Administrative Data
Requirements Consultation
Report.
6.3.1.3 Guidebook on using
administrative data in
National Accounts published.
6.3.1.4 Service Level
Agreements (SLAs)
implemented.
ALL ACTIVITIES
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2014
2015
2016
2017
TOTAL
COST
(Millions of
[CURREN
CY])
Table 2: Activity Implementation Plan by Source of Funding, 2013 – 2017
AMOUNT (Millions of [CURRENCY])
ACTIVITY
6.1.1 Compiling NA and
supporting economic
statistics according to
MRDS.
[COUNTRY]
GOVERNMENT
OUTPUT
6.1.1.1 SUT updated.
6.1.1.2 BOP & IIP updated.
6.1.1.3 ISA compiled.
6.1.1.4 QNA compiled.
6.1.1.5 IOT analysis.
6.1.3 Building institutional 6.1.3.1 Training Report.
capacity.
6.1.3.2 Study Tour Report.
6.1.3.3 Statistical Infrastructure Reports.
6.1.3.4 IT Procurement Report.
6.2.1 Minimizing data
suppliers’ response
burden.
6.2.1.1 Sensitisation Workshop Report.
6.2.1.2 Report uploaded NSO website.
6.2.1.3 Dissemination Workshop Report.
6.2.1.4 Integrated survey questionnaires.
6.3.1 Improving demand
for administrative data.
6.3.1.1 Administrative Data Sources Inventory
in place.
6.3.1.2 Administrative Data Requirements
Consultation Report.
6.3.1.3 Guidebook on using administrative
data in National Accounts published.
6.3.1.4 SLAs implemented.
ALL ACTIVITIES
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DONORS
TOTAL
Annex 1: [NAME OF LAW].
LAWS OF [COUNTRY]
[NAME OF LAW]
STATISTICS
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
SECTION
1. Short title
2. Interpretation
3. Employment of assistants
4. Duties of Director
5. Power to obtain particulars
6. Power of entry
7. Restriction on publication
8. Offenses
9. Oath of office and secrecy
10. Special reports and investigations
11. Regulations
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Annex 2: United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
Preamble
The Statistical Commission,

Bearing in mind that official statistical information is an essential basis for development
in the economic, demographic, social and environmental fields and for mutual knowledge
and trade among the States and peoples of the world,

Bearing in mind that the essential trust of the public in official statistical information
depends to a large extent on respect for the fundamental values and principles which are
the basis of any society which seeks to understand itself and to respect the rights of its
members,

Bearing in mind that the quality of official statistics, and thus the quality of the
information available to the Government, the economy and the public depends largely on
the cooperation of citizens, enterprises, and other respondents in providing appropriate
and reliable data needed for necessary statistical compilations and on the cooperation
between users and producers of statistics in order to meet users' needs,

Recalling the efforts of governmental and non-governmental organizations active in
statistics to establish standards and concepts to allow comparisons among countries,

Recalling also the International Statistical Institute Declaration of Professional Ethics,

Having expressed the opinion that resolution C (47), adopted by the Economic
Commission for Europe on 15 April 1992, is of universal significance,

Noting that, at its eighth session, held in Bangkok in November 1993, the Working
Group of Statistical Experts, assigned by the Committee on Statistics of the Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific to examine the Fundamental Principles,
had agreed in principle to the ECE version and had emphasized that those principles were
applicable to all nations,

Noting also that, at its eighth session, held at Addis Ababa in March 1994, the Joint
Conference of African Planners, Statisticians and Demographers, considered that the
Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics are of universal significance,
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Adopts the present principles of official statistics:
Principle 1: Relevance, Impartiality, and Equal Access
Official statistics provide an indispensable element in the information system of a
democratic society, serving the Government, the economy and the public with data about
the economic, demographic, social and environmental situation. To this end, official
statistics that meet the test of practical utility are to be compiled and made available on an
impartial basis by official statistical agencies to honour citizens' entitlement to public
information.
Principle 2: Professional Standards and Ethics
To retain trust in official statistics, the statistical agencies need to decide according to
strictly professional considerations, including scientific principles and professional ethics,
on the methods and procedures for the collection, processing, storage and presentation of
statistical data.
Principle 3: Accountability and Transparency
To facilitate a correct interpretation of the data, the statistical agencies are to present
information according to scientific standards on the sources, methods and procedures of
the statistics.
Principle 4: Prevention of Misuse
The statistical agencies are entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of
statistics.
Principle 5: Cost-Effectiveness
Data for statistical purposes may be drawn from all types of sources, be they statistical
surveys or administrative records. Statistical agencies are to choose the source with
regard to quality, timeliness, costs and the burden on respondents.
Principle 6: Confidentiality
Individual data collected by statistical agencies for statistical compilation, whether they
refer to natural or legal persons, are to be strictly confidential and used exclusively for
statistical purposes.
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Principle 7: Legislation
The laws, regulations and measures under which the statistical systems operate are to be
made public.
Principle 8: National Coordination
Coordination among statistical agencies within countries is essential to achieve
consistency and efficiency in the statistical system.
Principle 9: International Standards
The use by statistical agencies in each country of international concepts, classifications
and methods promotes the consistency and efficiency of statistical systems at all official
levels.
Principle 10: International Cooperation
Bilateral and multilateral cooperation in statistics contributes to the improvement of
systems of official statistics in all countries.
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